Muichiro was also making astonishing progress in his training.
Yuichiro had been learning to forge from Tetsu no Sosuke, and his progress was just as clear.
"At this rate, Muichiro should be ready for the Final Selection soon, shouldn't he?"
It was afternoon, and the weather had been growing warmer. Kanae had brought out the tea table and boiled water to make tea for Tetsu no Sosuke. She drank plain water herself.
Tetsu no Sosuke blew on the tea leaves floating in his cup. "Master seems to have other plans for Muichiro."
"Will he skip the Final Selection altogether?" Kanae glanced at him.
Tetsu no Sosuke shook his head. "I don't know. It's possible. He's no ordinary child..."
Kanae considered that, then sighed. "But wouldn't that be a little unfair?"
"There's never been absolute fairness in this world."
Tetsu no Sosuke smiled. "If he can become a capable fighter that much sooner, I wouldn't mind."
"To face such cruelty so soon... Can you really bear it?" Kanae gave him a look that was half teasing.
Tetsu no Sosuke thought for a moment. "I've always been hard-hearted."
"...I don't believe you."
"You're the one exception."
Kanae covered her mouth and laughed softly.
"Teacher! Teacher!"
Yuichiro's excited shouting rang out. Tetsu no Sosuke and Kanae looked over to see him running toward them, a sword in hand and his face alight.
He held it out with both hands like a treasure. "Please, take a look."
"Your first?" Tetsu no Sosuke asked, giving Yuichiro a knowing look.
Yuichiro watched him expectantly and nodded slowly.
The blade flashed as Tetsu no Sosuke drew it. He raised it and examined the edge closely.
After a moment, he handed the sword to Kanae.
Kanae inspected it just as carefully. She even tapped the blade lightly with